Chapter 17 Burning Bridges

• “Mr. Walston, your words are rather harsh. We gathered here tonight to have a good time, there's no need for such a fuss.”
• At that moment, noticing that something was amiss, Simeon hastily intervened to mediate.
• “Professor O'Dorney, this matter has nothing to do with you! Don't interfere.” Theodore had absolutely no regard for Simeon.
• Although Simeon had worked as a teacher at the school for a long time, Theodore was still the vice-chancellor.
• Regardless of status or power, Simeon simply couldn't compete!
• “Some people will never learn their place until they've been put in their place! Mr. Yowell's kind words were a gesture of respect! I, Theodore, don't need to extend the same courtesy. I have no respect for those who lack ability, yet love to put on airs! They're nothing more than a waste of space!” Theodore looked at Finneas, launching into a critique without any hesitation.
• In reality, he had taken a dislike to Finneas back in the main hall. Now, he was merely using an excuse to lash out.
• “Do you think you're all that by acting in such a way?”
• Finneas lifted his gaze, his deep-set eyes calmly observing Theodore.
• For reasons unknown, upon meeting Finneas' gaze, Theodore felt an unexpected twinge in his heart. It was as though he was being hunted by some demonic entity!
• But quickly, he managed to gather his wits!
• As the esteemed vice-chancellor of a prestigious university, was there any need to fear a nobody?
• “Am I not speaking the truth?” Theodore let out a cold, derisive laugh.
• “You being right or wrong is a separate issue! But you just yelled at my sister. I swear that upon my return, I won't allow anyone to mistreat my sister again.” Finneas rose to his feet, his face expressionless as he stared at Theodore. “Now, I'm giving you a chance to make amends. Apologize to my sister, and I might consider sparing you.”
• “Apologize to this little girl? Do you think that's possible?” Theodore had a face full of mockery.
• “So... is this your choice then?”
• There wasn't a trace of emotion on Finneas' face.
• At that moment, the atmosphere in the room had become incredibly tense.
• Some people felt a chill in their hearts, sensing a certain level of anxiety.
• What on earth was Finneas trying to do?
• Did he really intend to pick a fight with Mr. Walston?
• Meanwhile, the corners of Jayson's mouth lifted slightly.
• He knew it was his turn to step up!
• All it took was a casual remark from him, and the crisis at hand could be easily resolved!
• This not only allowed him to show off in front of everyone, but it would also make Finneas feel indebted to him.
• With these thoughts in mind, Jayson gave a light cough, rose from his seat, and walked over to Finneas. He patted Finneas' shoulder and said with a smile, “All right, alright! I'm the host today, everyone, please, let's keep the chatter to a minimum, shall we? No need for all this commotion!”
• Having said that, he turned to Theodore and said, “Mr. Walston, do me a favor, let's just let this matter go! Finneas is an old classmate of mine, so his sister is like a sister to me.”
• “Since Mr. Yowell has spoken, I naturally have to give him face.” Theodore nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.
• His objective was to get on good terms with Jayson. Since Jayson had already spoken in such a manner, he naturally had to give him face.
• As for Finneas and Alyssa, in his eyes, they were merely insignificant figures. When he was in a good mood, he would give them a treat, and when he was not, he would suppress them a bit, all just for his amusement.
• Upon witnessing this scene, everyone in the room quietly nodded in agreement.
• Truly, Jayson's composure was extraordinary!
• Despite being previously ignored by Finneas, he continued to treat him with genuine sincerity!
• In today's society, finding such people was truly rare!
• No wonder he was recognized as one of the top ten outstanding youths in Jacaster. There was a reason his career had developed to this extent.
• “Finneas, you haven't thanked Jayson yet! If it weren't for Jayson's help today, you would have been in a real mess.” From a distance, Sabrina spoke up loudly.
• “No need, we're old classmates after all!” Jayson smiled.
• However, his gaze was fixed on Finneas. Anyone with discernment could tell he was waiting for Finneas' gratitude.
• However, at that moment, bang! Finneas sent Jayson flying.
• Turning to Theodore with an icy stare, he declared, “I'm giving you ten seconds to make your choice. If you don't apologize to my sister, I assure you, you won't see tomorrow. If you think I'm joking, feel free to gamble with your own life.”
• This sudden turn of events caused the entire room to fall into immediate silence.
• Everyone was taken aback, their mouths agape in surprise.
• Simeon's gaze became distant.
• Sabrina was completely flabbergasted!
• Jayson lay on the ground, holding his swollen, red face, his expression full of disbelief.
• How dare he hit me? How dare he?
• Jayson clenched his fists tightly, his voice cold as he said, “Finneas, what the hell are you trying to imply? I stood up for you, and you repay me with a punch?”
• Finneas blatantly ignored him, continuing to stare coldly at Theodore, beginning the countdown.
• “Three!”
• “Two”
• “I-I'm sorry!” Theodore spoke up, his voice laced with tension.
• Beads of cold sweat had already begun to form on his forehead.
• Finneas' gaze was truly unnerving, akin to those ruthless assassins from television shows, which instilled in him a profound sense of fear.
• This overwhelming fear made him shudder from head to toe, as if he would truly meet his end if he didn't apologize!
• Forget it. Finneas is a mere nobody from the lowest rungs of society, while I am the esteemed vice-chancellor of Jacaster University. There is no need for me to stoop to his level!
• Theodore comforted himself in his heart.
• Upon witnessing Theodore actually apologizing, a myriad of complex expressions washed over the faces of those present at the scene.
• However, upon further reflection, this was nothing out of the ordinary.
• Those with nothing to lose weren't afraid of those with everything at stake.
• It seemed like Finneas' mindset was truly twisted.
• It wasn't that Theodore was scared, it was just that there really was no need to confront such a person head-on.
• Given their status, they had a myriad of ways to ensure that Finneas face the consequences of his actions.
• “What's the use of apologizing to me?” Finneas spoke in a cold tone.
• “Apologies, young lady! I was rather presumptuous just now!” Theodore looked at Alyssa, managing to squeeze out a small smile on his face.
• He felt incredibly frustrated apologizing to a student, as if he had swallowed a lump of discomfort that he simply couldn't alleviate.
• “It's okay.” Alyssa's emotions were in turmoil.
• Although Theodore had apologized now, what about later?
• She could almost predict the outcome that awaited her, expulsion from school was practically a certainty!
• However, she couldn't blame her brother!
• Regardless, her brother was standing up for her!
• If even she were to criticize her brother's actions, imagine how heartbroken he would be!
• “Since you've apologized, let's consider the matter settled! I don't want this incident to lead to something like my sister dropping out of school! Do you understand?” Finneas said coldly.
• “Of course!” Theodore quickly nodded, quietly reminding himself that as an intellectual, there was no need to argue with such people.
• “I hope you can keep your word, or I swear, there won't be a place left for you to be buried!”
• Suddenly, Finneas seized a cup from the table. In front of everyone, he crushed it into dust.
• Seeing this scene, everyone's pupils dilated. Such immense strength!
• “Professor O'Dorney, I'm afraid we won't be able to have dinner tonight. When I find some time later, I'll treat you separately!”
• With an apologetic expression, Finneas turned to Simeon and said.
• Sigh!
• Simeon didn't respond, he simply let out a long sigh.
• The unyielding ones broke easily.
• Why didn't Finneas understand that principle?
• This left him feeling utterly helpless, accompanied by a wave of heartache.
• “Let's go, Lyssie!” Finneas said to his younger sister.
• “Okay!”
• Alyssa nodded, dutifully following behind her older brother.
• After some hesitation, Kelly also chose to tag along.
• But it was at this moment when someone shouted, “Hold it right there!”
• Jayson coldly blocked the path of the three individuals.
• Naturally, he couldn't just let it go like that after being slapped by Finneas in front of a crowd.
• Since Finneas was so unappreciative, then he simply had to oblige him!
• “Finneas, you slapped me and thought you could just walk away? Do you really think that's possible?” Jayson asked coldly.
• “What's the matter? One slap wasn't enough for you? Craving for more?” Finneas asked.
• Jayson's mouth twitch upon his words.
• D*mn it!
• That wasn't what he meant.
• “Get lost. For the sake of our past as classmates, I don't want to embarrass you. You'd better not overestimate yourself,” Finneas said.
• “Overestimate myself? I really can't fathom where you got the audacity to speak to me in such a manner.” Jayson, in his extreme anger, ended up laughing instead.
• He clapped his hands, and immediately, seven or eight bodyguards dressed in black rushed into the room.
• These black-clad bodyguards towered at seven feet tall, their faces set in a stern expression. Their muscles were pronounced, clearly indicating that they were no strangers to combat.
• Upon witnessing that, everyone present was taken aback.
• “I knew it. How could someone of Mr. Yowell's status not have bodyguards? So, they've been hidden in the shadows all along.”
• “Did everyone see that burly man leading the group? I've seen him on TV before. His name is Hunter. Not only is he a retired special forces soldier, but he's also ranked among the top hundred in Jussipi Eight-City MMA Championship.”
• “Wow, that's impressive! The prestige associated with the Eight-City MMA Championship is substantial, attracting many skilled fighters. If this Hunter can rank within the top hundred, I bet he could easily take on ten opponents at once!”
• “Mr. Yowell really is wealthy, hiring bodyguards of this caliber. I estimate it must cost at least six to seven hundred thousand a year.”
• Upon hearing the whispers and chatter of the crowd, a look of disdain appeared on Hunter's face.
• A bunch of naive, weak-willed scholars!
• What do they mean by facing ten opponents at once? For mere mortals like you all, it wouldn't be a problem for me to take on fifty or sixty of you!
• Of course, these were merely his inner thoughts. Naturally, he wouldn't openly express them.
• After all, in today's society, being able to fight wasn't really useful!
• Being rich was the way to go.
• Even though he was incredibly talented, he still had to work for the wealthy to provide for his family.
• “Mr. Yowell, what happened?” Hunter asked aloud.
• His large, contemptuous eyes, reminiscent of bronze furnaces, swept over the crowd. It was as if a flame was burning within his pupils.
• Those who found themselves under his gaze felt a chill run down their spine, as if they were being targeted by a human-shaped beast, making them shudder without any cold.
• Even Kelly and Alyssa were somewhat scared, hiding behind Finneas.